Bedales Schools

Bedales Schools

In search of a better education….

Welcome to Bedales Schools

'A wonderful place to grow a rooted sense of self, and joy in life and learning'
The Good Schools Guide 

Bedales is one of the UK’s top independent co-education boarding and day schools, comprising three schools situated near Petersfield, Hampshire: Bedales Pre-prep, Dunannie (ages 3-8); Bedales Prep, Dunhurst (ages 8-13); and Bedales itself (ages 13-18).  An hour south from London, the schools are set in a 120 acre estate in the heart of the South Downs National Park. 

Established in 1893, Bedales was founded to be different. Where others imposed conformity, Bedales nurtured individuality, initiative and enquiring minds. True to its roots, Bedales continues to be an innovative school; having led the country in replacing many GCSEs with our own more interesting and demanding Bedales Assessed Courses, recognised by UCAS, universities and employers, we continue to refine our offer to equip our students with the skills they need in a fast-changing world.   

This year we introduced the new ‘later start to the day’ in the senior school, in recognition of research into the teenage brain and their lack of suitability for early morning starts.  We have also introduced Project Based learning for Block 3s (Year 9) in which students study projects that cut across many different academic disciplines bringing an interdisciplinary, ‘real-world’ approach to our study of the humanities.

We are a kind, inclusive community and proud of our strong pastoral care and focus on relationships.  The students who will gain most from being part of our community are those who will give most and take part fully in the opportunities available.  Bedalians secure places at the most demanding universities, including Oxbridge and other QS Top 100 institutions, music conservatoires, art colleges and international institutions in the UK and overseas.

The Curriculum at Bedales

‘Best School for Forward Thinking’  - The Week Independent Schools Guide

From the very youngest, pupils ‘learn through doing’ with a curriculum that has breadth and depth. In the senior school students take a combination of IGCSEs and our own Bedales Assessed Courses (recognised by UCAS and universities around the world) in Global Awareness and Digital Game Design, for example. Sixth formers take enrichment courses in addition to A Levels.  We keep adding to our A Level offer: Digital Photography and Global Perspectives and Research were introduced in 2019; this year we have introduced an innovative environmental course ‘Living with the Land’ as well as Sports Science BTEC and A Level Music Technology.   

The Arts and Enrichment at Bedales 

Bedales is acclaimed for its drama, theatre, art and music with many opportunities for participation in performances and concerts, including overseas tours. Creativity is a thread running through the school at all levels, whether in design, textiles, art, drama or helping with work on our very own farm. The Enrichment Programme is structured around our conviction that education should be about “head, hand and heart”, and that learning should be undertaken for its own sake. At the same time, our approach is by no means just idealistic. We want our students to be ready for university and to have developed the skills of independent learning that are so vital in Higher Education. Our Activities and Enrichment Programmes help us to achieve this. We are a proud member of the Round Square, an international network of over 200 holistically-minded schools. 

Pastoral care at Bedales

‘Best of the Best’ for Boarding - The Week Independent Schools Guide 

At Bedales every student is assigned to a day or boarding house parent with whom they build a close and strong relationship. Students also benefit from having a tutor who monitors and guides their academic progress, tailoring the level of support to the individual. Tutor groups and dormitories are mixed age, encouraging communication and the sharing of experience across the years. There is a separate 6.2 (upper sixth) house.  Pupils quickly develop strong bonds and working relationships with their teachers and peers, working together to create the community and ethos of the school. These relationships last a lifetime, witnessed when our alumni – Old Bedalians – re connect with such enthusiasm and affection with their former teachers and school friends.

Sport at Bedales 

‘Pupils are so attuned to nature that they have even agreed to have technology-free days to reduce the pressures of modern living. By looking back, Bedales is, as ever, looking forward.’  Tatler Schools Guide

Our 125 acre estate includes our working farm and a wide range of sporting facilities including floodlit astroturf hockey pitches, tennis and netball courts as well as an indoor swimming pool.  We offer access to top quality coaching, outstanding facilities, a competitive spirit (but with a strong emphasis on fair play and enjoyment), and opportunities for the gifted and talented sports players to develop their elite skills. We are also seeking to foster a lifelong passion for sport and an awareness of the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle. The main sports for boys are football, hockey, cricket and tennis. Girls play hockey, netball, football, tennis and rounders. Other sports available include aikido, skiing and sailing.   School teams take part in county, regional and national competitions.   Many of our key sports teaching staff also coach the younger children in our Prep and Pre-prep Schools, Dunhurst and Dunannie, a benefit of our three schools’ approach.

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